A mother who took the brave decision to share a photograph of her post-baby body on Instagram has opened up about her battle with postpartum depression.

Alexandra Kilmurray, from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, shared the picture of her stretch-marked stomach with a message about the 'dark side' of motherhood.

Just hours after the image went viral, Mrs Kilmurray has spoken for the first time of her personal struggle in a searingly honest interview with MailOnline.

She revealed how her husband Bryan watched her 'cry for months' as she struggled to cope with the effects of having their two sons, and that speaking about her experience and simply 'leaving the house' has helped in her recovery.

Honest: Alexandra Kilmurray shared this photograph of her post-baby body on Instagram along with an empowering post discussing the 'dark sides' of motherhood and pregnancy

Support: The mother-of-two said her husband Bryan, pictured together, watched her 'cry for months' as she reeled from the effects of having their two sons, Bryan and Anthony

Battle: Alexandra suffered from postpartum depression following the birth of her eldest son, Bryan. Just four months later she fell pregnant with son Anthony, pictured together

She said: 'My husband and I knew my body would change, we knew it was just a part of motherhood. I personally, did not expect such drastic changes with myself physically and mentally.

'But my husband has been here to tell my I am beautiful, he has been here to listen to me rant about everything I hate about myself.'

She added: 'He has seen me at my lowest, so he is as passionate about helping others through this hard time as I am.'